Vacations are here, and with them come travel. It's time to explore landscapes and enjoy the sun, sea, and rivers. And why not do it with your dog? Here are 10 recommendations to help you enjoy your trip and keep your dog safe.
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Look for dog-friendly places
Choose pet-friendly accommodations. More and more hotels and apartments are pet-friendly, but make sure to check before booking. Inquire about their conditions, as sometimes there's an extra charge you should factor into your budget.
You can find options on this website: http://www.admitemascotas.com/en/colombia/index.html
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Don't cut their hair
Contrary to what you might think, don't cut your dog's hair before summer vacation. Their fur protects them from the sun's rays and helps regulate their temperature.
Ensure comfort when traveling
Whether you're traveling by car or plane, make sure your dog travels comfortably, even if they are in a crate. Also, ensure they have enough space to move and adequate ventilation. If the trip is long, make sure they can stretch and hydrate occasionally. Another recommendation is to consult your vet about what to give them to prevent motion sickness and how to use calming drops, or if they recommend bringing relaxing treats to keep them calm during travel.
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Bring their things
Dogs don't like to change routines much, so make your pet feel at home. To do this, it's crucial to travel with their bed or with toys and familiar items that make them feel in their everyday space. Also pack their food and water bowls, as well as their collar and leash.
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Protect them from the sun and heat
If you're traveling to the beach or a place with high temperatures, look for shaded areas and never exercise or expose them directly to the sun's rays between noon and 4 PM. They could suffer from heatstroke, and there could even be a risk of skin burns. Also, be careful when walking on asphalt. If it's very hot, wait for the temperature to drop for a walk, or choose grassy areas. Remember: in very hot places, constant hydration with fresh water is key. Pay attention to make sure they don't drink too much seawater, as it can cause diarrhea.
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Check all their vaccinations
Make sure they are up to date, and even travel with their vaccination card. The conditions they will face away from home will expose them to greater risks, and if not vaccinated, they could get sick more easily.
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Consider travel insurance
Review your dog's existing insurance and evaluate if it's better to have special coverage during vacation trips. This will provide special protection for them during this time. Always travel knowing how to activate this insurance if needed.
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Pack a first aid kit
Some of the things we recommend you bring as a first aid kit for your pet are: scissors, tweezers, a pet thermometer, saline solution, sterile gloves, bandages, sterile gauze, and adhesive tape.
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Some ideas for their well-being
Vacations with dogs are becoming more common, so you'll find products designed for them on the market, such as portable pools and cooling mats or beds filled with gel that activates when they lie on them, available on sites like Amazon and specialized pet stores.
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Maintain their diet
Don't change their food or feeding times. It's best to bring their food and enough daily portions. Oh, and using the BARF diet, you can even prepare ice cream for them with natural fruits like watermelon or pear with sugar-free yogurt.
